Royal Challengers Bangalore rode A.B. de Villiers' half century to record their third successive win on the trot with a 17-run victory over Kings XI Punjab to keep their chances alive, on Wednesday.
de Villiers (82*; 44 balls, 4x3, 6x7) and Marcus Stoinis, who remained not out on 46 (34 balls, 4x2, 6x3), shared an unbroken 121-run fifth wicket stand off just 66 balls to help RCB posted 202/4 after Kings XI skipper R. Ashwin asked them to bat first.
In reply, Kings XI fought hard but in the end fell short as K.L. Rahul (42; 27b; 7x4; 1x6) and Nicholas Pooran (46; 28b 1x4; 5x6) threatened to take the game away from Virat Kohli's men at the start and towards the end respectively. Kings Xi posted 185/7 in 20 overs.
Meanwhile, cricket fraternity and fans welcomed yet another RCB win and this is what they had to say after the Men in Red crossed the line.
RCB have played 11 games and now will face Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad in their remaining matches all of which are must-win for them if they are to make the playoffs.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)